Beloved father, son, brother, and Bestefar passed away suddenly in his London ON home November 10th, 2021 at the age of 57. He is missed by his parents Sandy Richards (James Kinnear) and Torbjorn (Sharon) Bidtnes, brother David (Beverly) Bidtnes, daughter Jessica (Aaron) Toy, grandchildren River and Colten Casey. Will be dearly remembered by his step-sisters Carey and Lisa Bidtnes, nephew Kristian and niece Avril Bidtnes.
Steve was born in Oslo Norway April 8, 1964. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces October 4, 1984 in Winnipeg, MB and served with the Communications and Electronics Branch as a Radio Operator. In March 1991 he re-mustered to Airborne Electronic Sensor Operator (AESOP) and was proudly presented his wings by his hero, grandfather Fredrick H. Richards. He was commissioned from ranks in 1997 to become an Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO).
He proudly served in Kingston ON, Halifax NS, Victoria BC, Richelain QC, Lazo BC, Greenwood NS, Ottawa ON, Trenton ON, Toronto ON, and London ON. His service included duty with the HMCS Skeena, HMCS Algonquin, HMCS Preserver, HMCS Iroquois, HMCS Montreal and HMCS Regina. His many tours included Afghanistan, Iran/Iraq, the Gulf and Kuwait, and the Former Yugoslavia.
Graveside Service will be held Monday November 22, 2021 at the National Military Cemetery of the Canadian Forces - Section 103 - 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, Ontario K1L 8A6
To register and attend via livestream - please CLICK HERE
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Soldier On program would be appreciated.
Digital Guestbook
Pat Castonguay
Andrew McCorquodale
So very sorry to have heard this news. My deepest sympathies to Steve's family and know that Steve lives on in the many, many people he touched, far and wide. My he rest in peace and comfort with knowledge that he served his country well and with pride.
Jody Jean
My condolences to family and friends. I had the pleasure to work with Steve. He will be missed.
Buddy McKeigan
It was a pleasure to serve with you, RIP Steve. Gone too soon, stand down flying stations.
Darren Daigle
Goodbye my friend.
Harold Davis
On behalf of Persian Gulf Veterans of Canada, we are very sorry for your loss.
Terry J Lynch CD11
I never met this Gentleman as I was retired when he joined the "Trade": nevertheless he wore my Wings so he was a Brother. RIP.
Linda & Terry Townson
Dave, Tobey and families.
Our condolences to you all.
Jacques Hardy
RIP Steve!
Sincere condolences to the family!
Eric Belrose
Steve,
You were a mentor and a friend, and so passionate about what you did. It was an honour to serve with you.
VVV
I have flown many year with Steve in the mighty CP140 Auroa and he was always a joy to be around. A well rounded man of great accomplishments.
Steve - we will remember you